A Mother’s Job Never Stops. Here’s How to Keep Your Sanity.
- Joanna Hart
- Feb 5
- 6 min read

"Mom, I want to sleep with you, I don't like my bed" my 4-year-old said for the 15th night in a row. Tired, overstimulated, sleep deprived me is about to lose it. "Seriously? I've given you so much of my attention ALL day, and I can't even get a peaceful night's sleep?" I think to myself..
My calm, composed husband steps in and tells me..."she's only four" he said, "she can't get enough of you, pretty soon she'll grow up and stop asking." This is but one of the many examples of the 'joy' of motherhood...
Being a mom is one of the most beautiful jobs on earth—until it’s also the most exhausting. If you're a mom of young children, you might find yourself running on caffeine, love, and sheer determination. Being a mom of two—one who is almost one, crawling everywhere and learning to walk (hello, future troublemaker), and a four-year-old daughter who talks non-stop and has the energy of an overly caffeinated chipmunk—has taught me one thing: motherhood is a never-ending job. Seriously, it’s like being a 24/7 manager of a circus, a daycare, and a snack vending machine, all at once.
There are days when I feel like my brain is in a constant state of chaos—like I’m juggling so many tasks that I might drop something important (like my sanity) at any moment. If you’re in the same boat, drowning in toys, dirty laundry, and endless requests for snacks and attention, I’m here to tell you—you’re not alone.
So, how do you keep your sanity amidst the chaos, the mess, and the endless stream of demands? Well, I’ve come up with a few strategies that work for me. Hopefully, they’ll help you feel a little less like a hamster on a wheel and a little more like the supermom you were meant to be.

1. Embrace the Chaos. Seriously.
First off, embrace the chaos. My one-year-old is crawling everywhere, and my 4-year-old wants to play non-stop. At any given moment, there are toys scattered across the living room floor, snacks being spilled, and someone’s temper is about to flare. And you know what? It’s okay. I’ve learned that perfection is overrated. If you’re spending all your time trying to create a picture-perfect home, you might miss the real joy in motherhood. It's messy, it’s loud, and it's beautifully imperfect.
Instead of stressing over the crumbs under the table or that pile of laundry waiting for you, take a deep breath and laugh. My daughter’s random commentary about everything is hilarious (even if I can’t always follow the plot). And my son’s determination to "walk" by using every piece of furniture as his personal support system is the best comedy show you’ll ever witness.
Tip: If the mess is overwhelming, just put on some music, dance with your kids, and let the mess be what it is—temporary. And remember, you have permission to not be perfect. We don’t always have to have a Pinterest worthy home, as long as it’s a happy home.

2. Prioritize Self-Care (Yes, Even for 5 Minutes)
It’s easy to feel like you’re giving everything to your kids and nothing to yourself, but mama, your well-being matters too! It's easy to get stuck in a cycle of putting everyone else’s needs first, but if you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t pour into anyone else. I know, I know, it sounds like a cliché. But hear me out: your kids need you at your best, and you’ll be better for them when you have a moment (or even five) to recharge.
For me, self-care doesn’t always mean a luxurious spa day (though that sounds amazing). Sometimes, it’s a quick shower with a podcast playing in the background or 10 minutes of sitting on the couch with a cup of coffee that actually stays warm for once. These moments of solitude, no matter how small, help me keep my sanity intact. Even if my toddler decides that crawling into the bathroom while I’m in the shower is a good idea, at least I’m still getting that precious 5-minute reset.
Tip: When the kids are napping (or playing quietly—yes, this happens sometimes), take that time to do something for yourself. Even 10 minutes of silence can do wonders.
3. Get Moving—Even for Just 10 Minutes
Now, I know the thought of hitting the gym feels like a distant dream when you’re juggling two kids, but hear me out. Exercise can be your secret weapon. Whether it’s a quick 10-minute cardio burst, a short walk around the block, or even dancing around the living room with your little ones, moving your body can do wonders for your mental health.
MPlus, exercise releases those lovely endorphins, which help you feel more energized and less stressed.
Tip: Set a timer for 10 minutes and just get moving. Your body will thank you, and you might just feel like a new person afterward.
4. Find Your Village (And Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help)
Motherhood is not a solo journey, no matter how much society may make it seem that way. It’s okay to lean on others! Whether it's your partner, a friend, a neighbor, or even your mom, having a support system is essential. One of the best things I’ve learned as a mom is that asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength.
My husband is a huge help when I’m feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes, I just need him to step in and take over for a little while so I can get a mental break. And while my daughter’s endless chatter can sometimes be exhausting, I remind myself that she wants to be heard. So, I try to carve out moments in the day where I can listen to her and be present, even if it’s just for a few minutes before the chaos ensues again.
Tip: Whether it’s a phone call with a friend or having a “Mom’s night off,” don’t be afraid to ask for help. It takes a village, and no one can do it all alone!

5. Laugh, Laugh, Laugh
When your 4-year-old is talking about a how she wants to dye her beautiful black hair blonde so she can be like Elsa, or your one-year-old suddenly decides that crawling at high speed across the room is the latest Olympic sport, just laugh. Trust me, laughter is free therapy. Not only does it lighten the mood, but it also reminds you that this season, though chaotic, is fleeting.
There’s something so therapeutic about laughing at the absurdity of it all. For example, last week, my daughter spent 20 minutes explaining how she was “in charge” of the household, while my son pulled on her hair in an attempt to steal her toy. It was pure chaos... and hilarious! The reality is, some days are just downright funny if you can shift your perspective.
Tip: Laugh with your kids. They’ll remind you to stop taking life too seriously, and you might find yourself enjoying the little moments more.
6. Remember the Bigger Picture
At the end of the day, the messes, the tantrums, and the constant need for attention from my kids are all part of the journey. There will be seasons where you feel like you’re on a never-ending treadmill, but this too shall pass. In the blink of an eye, your toddler will be walking without support, your preschooler will outgrow the "need constant attention" phase (okay, maybe, haha), and you’ll look back and realize how quickly it all went by.
So, on the tough days—when you're feeling drained, overwhelmed, and like you're stuck in the endless loop of snack-making and toy-picking up—remember that these moments matter. Your kids are growing, and you're shaping their world. And through it all, you’re showing them what resilience, love, and grace look like in action.
Tip: Take a moment each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Even the small wins, like a peaceful bedtime routine, or that one hour where your kids played nicely together, can keep you going.

Here’s what’s important: when it all gets too overwhelming and you feel like you just can't keep up, lean on God. He has given you these little balls of energy as gifts and entrusted you with them. You are more equipped than you realize to handle the challenges, even when it doesn’t feel like it. Take a moment to vent to God, to be honest about your frustrations, and then draw on His grace to carry you through. You’re not in this alone. With His strength, you can navigate the ups and downs of motherhood, and know that you’re doing exactly what you’ve been called to do.
Amid the toys, the mess, and the endless demands, remember that you are stronger than you think. Every day you’re growing, learning, and becoming a better mom. Some days might feel like an uphill battle, but when you see your kids smile, it all comes together. The tough moments are temporary, but the love you’re building with your kids will last a lifetime.
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